The Monmouth County Regional Health Commission says the sightings have occurred in the central coastal areas of the county. The sightings have not been localized within any specific neighborhood.

The commission says coyotes are naturally wary of humans, but their behavior changes if given access to human food and garbage. Officials advise they will lose their natural fear of humans, which may threaten human safety, endanger domestic pets, and cause property damage.

(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

According to the commission, the coyote closely resembles a small German Shepherd, but has a long snout and a bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote also has a habit of holding its tail below a horizontal position while standing, walking and running.

The commission issued the following precautions:

Never feed a coyote. This puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.

Do not feed pet cats and/or feral cats outside. This can attract coyotes, which will eat the cat food AND prey upon the cats.

Put away bird feeders at night, and remove seed which has fallen to the ground without delay.